Lorry strike hampers repair job

John A. MacInnes

A bridge over the Union Canal in Linlithgow has again been struck by a lorry - even before repairs have been completed from the last incident.

The bridge, located at the canal basin in Manse Road, is so narrow that it cannot cope with long wheelbase vehicles, meaning that those who ignore the warning signs either strike the structure - or get stuck!

Last week we were contacted by a local resident who was walking his daughter to school, when they were passed by a lorry, the driver of which subsequently found was unable to navigate across the bridge.

His daughter asked him: ‘why don’t the drivers obey the signs’ - a fair point, for there are plenty of signs warning of the hazard.

A West Lothian Council spokesman said: “The bridge is the responsibility of Scottish Canals.

“There has been an on-going issue with drivers of long vehicles using satellite navigation systems which show them this route.

“There are signs on Manse Road at Riccarton Road and at Friar’s Way warning that the road is unsuitable for long vehicles.